On Thursday, Keim met with Langdon and head football coach Jimmy Lamb to discuss the current situation.

Keim told the Journal Thursday night that the well-being of the team motivated his decision.

“I don’t want this about me, it’s about the kids and the team,” Keim said. “I based the decision to come back on what I thought was best for the team.”

Lamb said that last week he discussed the issues that led to Keim’s resignation. He said he is confident concerns of the administration have been discussed and that protocol has been developed under his leadership that will take care of those concerns.

Lamb met with Keim and discussed the possibility that he could return to coach quarterbacks and defensive line.

“I think the kids missed him,” Lamb said Thursday. “It’s been 10 days now without him. I think there is some emotion and excitement. We came to some closure with him coming back.”

Keim said rejoining the team as an assistant, rather than as head coach, is of no concern.

“I could care less about that (returning as an assistant), it’s not that important to me,” Keim said. “I did this for two reasons. First the kids, then second my son Matt. No one knows how difficult this was on him. We have a tremendous love and bond.”

Both Keim and Langdon expressed their confidence that, without distractions Sturgis football will be able to move forward in a positive way.

“This was talked about in the beginning, about Bill coming back to help,” Langdon said. “(Thursday) was the day it came fruition.

“I believe this about the kids, they can move on to their studies and playing the game,” Langdon added.

Keim’s resignation sparked controversy and led to an outpouring of support from the community. A Facebook page and T-shirts supporting Keim were created.

“This has been a very humbling experience to see all the community support,” Keim said. “To see the community rally around one of their own sons.”

The Trojans enter tonight’s game with a 3-3 record, needing to win all three remaining games to reach the playoffs.

“We have three straight playoff games,” Keim said. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team, the way they came out and played last week.”